SEC’s Bold Crypto Tour: Chicago’s Chance to Influence Emerging Regulations

The Blockchain State Team

09/19/2025

The SEC is switching gears. After years of hitting crypto companies with enforcement actions, they’re actually trying something new—talking to people. The agency’s Crypto Task Force, launching in Q2 2025, replaces their old enforcement unit with something focused on outreach instead of punishment. Who would’ve thought?

This isn’t your typical government bureaucracy move. The SEC is taking their show on the road with a ten-city tour across America. Chicago gets its moment in the spotlight on September 15, 2025. Mark your calendars, crypto enthusiasts.

Breaking news: SEC ditches DC for an actual conversation with crypto folks across America. Chicago’s up September 15, 2025.

What’s the point? They want to hear from the little guys. Seriously. Small crypto ventures with fewer than 10 staff and less than two years in business can finally get a seat at the table. No more policies created in a vacuum by people who think blockchain is a fancy Lego set.

The tour won’t create instant rule changes. It’s about gathering input for future regulations. The SEC’s Spring 2025 Rulemaking Agenda already includes proposals on crypto offerings and custody rules. They’re actually considering exemptions from registration requirements. Shocking, right? Understanding token supply mechanics is crucial for creating effective regulations that protect investors while fostering innovation.

To participate, projects must submit an expression of interest with a summary of their team and goals. Each project gets to send one or two representatives. No need to fly to Washington—they’re coming to you.

This is a major shift. The SEC dissolved their previous enforcement unit. Many past cases have been dismissed. They’re focusing on constructive frameworks now, not just slapping wrists. This approach reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to regulating the crypto market in a more balanced way.

Industry insiders see this as a rare opportunity. Small startups influencing rules before they’re set in stone? Unheard of.

The SEC seems particularly interested in custody, recordkeeping, and anti-money laundering for digital assets. They’ve already held roundtables on DeFi, staking, and tokenization.

Will this lead to actual progress? Maybe. At least they’re pretending to listen now. That’s something.

The agency has already provided key clarifications on how cryptocurrency fits into existing broker-dealer obligations, signaling a more transparent regulatory environment.

"The old world runs on trust. The new one runs on code."